In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker discusses the importance of character development in children with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc. They explore how character qualities such as gratitude, joy, and self-efficacy can help children fulfill their potential and purpose. They emphasize the need for parents to model and teach these qualities, and the episode addresses common parenting challenges, mistakes, and practical tips for nurturing character. 

Key Moments:

03:00 Key Character Qualities to Nurture  

04:22 Teaching Gratitude and Joy  

05:59 Understanding Self-Efficacy  

08:07 Core Needs of Children  

10:12 The Role of Parents in Character Development  

16:31 Addressing Argumentative Behavior in Children  

18:33 Understanding Kids' Logic and Bedtime Struggles  

20:39 Top Parenting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them  

21:08 The Importance of Parental Authority and Apologies  

28:09 Navigating Screen Time and Social Media for Kids  

Our Guest: 

Dr. Kathy Koch is the Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a Christian ministry based in Fort Worth, Texas. An internationally acclaimed speaker and popular radio guest, she has impacted thousands of parents, teachers, and children in over 30 countries through keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars. Known for her practical and results-oriented concepts, Dr. Koch delivers engaging and humorous presentations that equip attendees with tools to build healthy relationships and find success in family, life, and school. She is the author of several books, including 8 Great Smarts and Screens and Teens, and holds a Ph.D. in reading and educational psychology from Purdue University.

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In today's digital age, the ubiquity of electronic devices has become a growing concern for parents. In today's episode, Melanie Hempe, renowned for her insightful discussions on parenting, offers some stark warnings and practical advice on how to navigate this complex terrain. Below is a summary of her key points, offering a deeper look into why and how parents need to take action to protect their children's mental health and social development.

00:00 Identifying Video Game Addiction in Kids

00:20 The Importance of Limiting Internet Access

00:38 The Role of Parents in Teaching Values

01:00 The Dangers of Small Screens and Pornography

01:26 Benefits of Reducing Screen Time

01:50 Encouragement for Parents

02:14 Long-term Effects of Video Game Usage

The Tell-Tale Signs of Video Game Addiction

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About our guest:

Host of the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, the documentary Screened Out, and various news and television outlets.

Melanie lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris, and their four children. They are delighted to trade wasted hours spent on screens for reading good books, spending time with friends in their home, and sharing plenty of family fun. It’s never too late to win back your kids, and ScreenStrong is here to help you do that!

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In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by financial expert and bestselling author Rachel Cruz. They discuss the challenges parents face in teaching their kids gratitude in a consumer-driven society. Rachel shares insights from her career in finance, her shift to educating parents, and her inspiration behind writing children's books aimed at fostering contentment and gratitude. They explore practical tips for parents to instill financial wellness in their children, emphasizing the significance of family values, generosity, and setting financial boundaries. The conversation highlights the profound impact of modeling gratitude and the joys of simple living.

Key Moments:

02:52 The Importance of Contentment and Gratitude

04:32 Navigating Consumerism and Teaching Financial Responsibility

08:39 Balancing Generosity and Financial Limits

21:49 Practical Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Wellness

24:36 The Joy of Giving and Serving

About our guest:

Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, and host of *The Rachel Cruze Show*. Since 2010, she has been a key figure at Ramsey Solutions, where she empowers people to avoid debt, save money, budget effectively, and achieve financial success at any stage of life. Rachel has authored three bestselling books, including Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY You Handle Money the Way You Do, and WHAT to Do About It! Check out her new book, I’m Glad for What I Have, here.

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If you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from your child's education, despite your efforts to engage and support them, then you are not alone! Many parents find that traditional schooling systems often fail to provide the personalized attention and emotional connection their children need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Join host Dr. Meg Meeker as she interviews Jennifer Pepito, a homeschooling veteran and mother of seven, who shares her insights on creating an enriching and safe educational environment. Discover the secrets to providing a developmentally appropriate and spiritually nourishing education for your children through homeschooling.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

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About our guest:

Jennifer Pepito is an author, podcaster, and the founder of The Peaceful Press. Her journey into the realm of child development began when she discovered her second daughter had learning disabilities. Determined to provide the best support for her daughter, Jennifer delved deeply into the field, studying under leading experts and researchers. She has successfully graduated five children from her homeschooling program, with two earning honors degrees from their preferred universities and one pursuing a Juris Doctorate.

Jennifer is passionate about equipping families to homeschool in a developmentally appropriate and spiritually nourishing way, using proven educational methods. Her goal is to help parents enjoy the homeschooling journey and build connected families. Her book, Mothering by the Book, provides guidance to overcome fears and savor the joy of motherhood. 

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In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Rose and Rob Bronstein, founders of Buckets Over Bullying. They share their poignant story of losing their son Nate to cyberbullying and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The Bronsteins discuss Nate's relentless torment through social media, the school's inadequate response, and their journey to advocate for stronger protections for children. They emphasize the need for parent education, school and tech company accountability, and legislative reforms to combat the growing epidemic of online bullying. This episode highlights the crucial need for awareness and collective action to protect our children from digital dangers.

Key moments:

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About our guests: Buckets Over Bullying is a non-profit initiative by The Bronstein Family Foundation dedicated to eradicating cyberbullying among children and teens. This sports-centric campaign was launched in response to the tragic loss of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein, a Chicago student who took his own life on January 13, 2022, after being incessantly cyberbullied and urged to commit suicide by classmates and teammates via text messages and Snapchat. Buckets Over Bullying aims to prevent such tragedies through education, legislative advocacy, and legal action, promoting responsible digital behavior and holding cyberbullies and their enablers accountable.

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Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! 

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

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In this episode of 'Parenting Great Kids,' Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes back Larry Hagner, the creative force behind the Dad Edge podcast and author of 'The Spirit of Fatherhood.' Larry shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous childhood with absentee and toxic father figures to becoming a devoted father himself. They discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the misconceptions men have about parenting, and practical tips for building strong connections with children. You’ll get deep and practical advice for men striving to lead extraordinary lives as fathers.

Key moments:

02:47 The Birth of Dad Edge

06:01 Challenges and Realizations in Fatherhood

08:08 Understanding Men's Inner Struggles

18:49 Understanding the Father's Perspective

19:59 A Personal Story of Change

21:06 The Power of Compassionate Communication

23:43 Shifting Perspectives for Better Relationships

29:25 Practical Tips for Connecting with Kids

36:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

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About our guest:

Larry Wagner, author and founder of The Dad Edge Podcast, navigated a challenging childhood with absent and toxic father figures, which shaped his unwavering commitment to being a present and positive father. Becoming a father himself in 2006, he quickly realized that mere desire wasn't enough to excel in his roles as a dad and husband. Determined to master these roles, Larry embarked on a journey of learning and self-improvement. In 2015, he launched The Dad Edge Podcast, interviewing over 700 experts on parenting, mindset, patience, communication, and more. Now, as a proud father of four boys and husband to his soulmate Jessica for 18 years, Larry shares his hard-earned wisdom, inviting other fathers to join him in the continuous quest for personal and familial excellence.

Our sponsors:

K12 Powered Schools: State-certified teachers and trained online educators. Go to K12.com/DRMEG today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you.

Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. 

Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.

Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! 

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

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Did you know that 95% of moms experience mom guilt regularly? In this episode, Dr. Meg delves into this pervasive issue with author Alli Worthington. Alli's extensive national survey on the challenges of motherhood has culminated in her latest thought-provoking book, 'Remaining You While Raising Them'. Together, Dr. Meg and Alli offer invaluable perspectives and practical strategies to help mothers break free from the cycle of self-doubt and judgment.

00:00 Understanding Mom Guilt: A Staggering Reality

00:08 The Daily Struggle: Trapped in Self-Doubt

00:20 Exploring Causes and Consequences

00:28 Empowering Solutions for Freedom

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About our guest:

Alli Worthington, known for her straight-talking encouragement and practical tools that help women reach their dreams in business and life, is the author of five books including The Year of Living Happy, Fierce Faith, Breaking Busy and her latest Remaining You While Raising Them. She is a speaker, podcaster, and life and business coach who launched Called Creatives, a cohort of women speakers and writers. Her guilt-free take on business, family, and balance has led to multiple appearances on The TODAY Show and Good Morning America. Alli lives with her husband, Mark, and their five sons outside of Nashville with the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve.

Our sponsors:

K12 Powered Schools: State-certified teachers and trained online educators. Go to K12.com/DRMEG today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you.

Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. 

Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.

Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! 

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

Air Doctor: Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 

Phyla Biotics: Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin.

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In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Eran Magen, an expert in education and psychology from Stanford University and founder of Parenting for Humans and DivorcingDads.org. They discuss the increased risk of suicide among divorced fathers and the unique challenges these men face. Dr. Magen emphasizes how critical it is to maintain strong relationships with their children, despite the emotional and financial pressures of divorce. The episode concludes with advice on how friends and family can intervene and support at-risk fathers and be proactive about their mental health.

Themes we will explore:

00:07 Understanding the Crisis: Divorced Dads and Suicide Risk

01:23 Expert Insights: Dr. Eran Magen on Divorced Dads

02:30 The Emotional Struggles of Divorced Dads

06:18 Building Strong Relationships with Kids

13:08 Navigating Post-Divorce Challenges

25:43 Supporting Divorced Dads: Suicide Prevention

31:02 Early Alert: Proactive Suicide Prevention

38:31 Final Thoughts and Resources

About our guest:

Dr. Magen earned his MA in education and PhD in psychology at Stanford University, and then served as the research director for the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. He is the founder of Parenting For Humans, a relationship-first, trauma-informed system for parenting, and the founder of DivorcingDads.org, a nonprofit dedicated to helping fathers stay healthy and connected to their children during and after a divorce.

From the Producer:

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Our Sponsors:

Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. 

Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.

Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! 

AquaTru, great taste from pure water. To receive 20% off any AquaTru purifier, go to AquaTru.com and use the code "DRMEG "when checking out.

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

Air Doctor: Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 

Phyla Biotics: Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin.

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In honor of Father's Day, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Chris Grainger, founder of The Lion Within Us, about his mission to empower Christian men to become strong leaders in their families and communities. Chris shares insights on spiritual growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering a sense of purpose through faith. They delve into the roles of men in providing, protecting, and presiding, and how controlled strength can positively impact marriages and fatherhood. Through personal stories and practical advice, Chris emphasizes the importance of community and spiritual guidance in helping men realize their potential and effectively lead their families.

In this episode, you will learn:

About our guest:

Chris Grainger is the founder of The Lion Within Us, an organization dedicated to empowering Christian men to become the leaders they are predestined to be. The community focuses on enhancing health, wealth, and self, helping men strengthen their mental and physical well-being, careers and finances, and roles as husbands, fathers, and brothers in Christ. Through his leadership, Chris inspires men to stand firm in their faith and showcase their inner strength to the world.

From the Producer:

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Our Sponsors:

Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. 

Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

Air Doctor: Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 

Phyla: As a practicing pediatrician and mother I recommend Phyla because it works wonders without any side effects and is backed by dermatologists. Visit phylabiotics.com,enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin.

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On the Parenting Great Kids podcast, three fathers share insights on the challenges of fatherhood. Influencer Andy Dooley, Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, and successful executive Michael Dickson offer personal stories and tips on everything from communication to disciplining your kids.

Our Guests:

Andy Dooley is a fitness coach, Tik Tok star host, TV host and author of the book Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose.

Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, writer, speaker, and activist. He is a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network and serves as Vice President of Strategic Relationships with the Human Coalition, one of the largest pro-life and pro-women’s organizations in the country.

Michael Dickson is the Director of Sales for Transamerica. With over 15 years of experience in plan administration, relationship management, and consulting, he holds his FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses, as well as Life, Health & Variable Annuity insurance licenses.

From the Producer:

Need coaching? Check out Dr. Meg's group or one-on-one coaching sessions today by visiting meekerparenting.com/coaching.

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Our Sponsors:

Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. 

Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.

Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! 

AquaTru, great taste from pure water. To receive 20% off any AquaTru purifier, go to AquaTru.com and use the code "DRMEG "when checking out.

Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 

Air Doctor: Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 



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